James Maroney

Senator James Maroney Questions Electric Company’s Response Efforts Following Tropical Storm Isaias

Today, State Senator James Maroney (D-Milford) submitted a letter to The United Illuminating Company questioning their response efforts following Tropical Storm Isaias. The storm left thousands of people without power throughout the towns Orange, West Haven, Milford, and Woodbridge, which United Illuminating services. Senator Maroney is looking for answers after concerns have been raised following a lack of response effort made by the electric company.

Following Tuesdays storm, almost 60% of Orange, 55% of Woodbridge, 36% of Milford, and 8% of West Haven are still without power.

The letter was sent to the President and CEO of The United Illuminating Company from Senator Maroney.

See below for the full text of the letter.

August 6, 2020

Mr. Tony Marone
President & CEO
The United Illuminating Company
100 Marsh Hill Road
Orange, CT 06477

Dear Mr. Marone,

I write to you today regarding the current response by The United Illuminating Company to repair damage done during Tropical Storm Isaias. The lack of a quick and effective response is concerning to me and my constituents who have been expressing their concerns to my office.

As the Senator for the 14th state Senate District, all my cities and towns are serviced by The United Illuminating Company (Orange, West Haven, Milford, and Woodbridge), my constituents and I would like to understand why there has been such a lack of communication prior to the event and afterwards on restoration efforts. One of the primary concerns I have, and my constituents have, is the impact this is having to our seniors and most vulnerable populations during the heat of the summer and a pandemic. Many of these customers use medical devices that require electricity, need access to elevators, use well water, or need reprieve from the heat.

As I write this, almost 60% of Orange, 55% of Woodbridge, 36% of Milford, and 8% of West Haven are without power.

How can the United Illuminating Company have such a poor response to a well forecasted tropical storm? What has the company done over the past decade to harden critical infrastructure and increase restoration times and why did those efforts fail during this storm?

My constituents deserve answers.

Respectfully,
James Maroney
State Senator, 14th Senatorial District.